The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and relevant links.

Fire in The Bitterroot Valley, MT

John McColgan, a BLM Alaska Fire Service firefighter, took this photo Aug. 6, 2000 during fires in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. To date this year, 83,311 fires have burned over 6.9 million acres in the US, more than double the 10 year annual average. The 2000 fire season will be recorded as one of the worst in history.